Thieves steal from church collection

The Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Westbourne Road

Cruel thieves broke in to a church in Luton and stole collection money intended for needy Syrian refugees.

The money was taken from the Holy Ghost Church in Westbourne Road some time overnight on February 1 to 2.

Whoever took the money smashed a “sizeable” stained glass window to gain entry to the building and took the money from a collection box.

Father Kevin McGinnell said: “Unfortunately thieves stole money which had been collected recently for the Syrian refugees which unfortunately had been left insecure as normally everything is banked or in a safe.

“It has angered many people both that someone should think of stealing from a church or any sacred space, and especially taking what had been given generously for such a good cause.”

The broken window is made from Cathedral glass and required a specialised repair job. Alarms have since been installed at the church.

Father Kevin said it is not known exactly how much money was taken, only that it was money intended for the Syrian refugees “who certainly need it”.